As a result of feedback from students, parents and staff members and a review of different options, Vancouver Public Schools will provide Chromebooks instead of iPads to high school students starting fall 2019. We believe that these laptops, which use Google’s Chrome operating system, will better match the work products expected of students at the high school level.

Our goal is that by the 2020-21 school year, when an enhanced district network with more access points will be operational, students will have the option of using either Chromebooks or their own laptops. Schools also will continue to have some iPads available for students to use as needed for projects, and we will continue to provide iPads to students with specific needs that are best addressed by specific iOS applications.

The cost of the Chromebooks is comparable to that of iPads and cases and will be met through the technology levy that voters authorized in February 2019. Those levy dollars can be used only for technology.

The move toward Chromebooks is an important step in our ongoing efforts to prepare students for college, trade schools, training programs and, ultimately, the workforce.